Flor De Florez Maduro Robusto 12/27/15

Appearance 

Toothy wrapper with mostly tight seams. A couple prominent veins. There is a very light oil sheen over part of the cigar while the rest shows no oil.

Aroma 

A light barnyard aroma with a candy type sweetness on the wrapper. Molasses at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Black licorice and fruit.

1st

The first few puffs show a spice developing. The draw is a bit snug to start. Burn is a little wavy but not bad. The spice is like a nice warm cinnamon. Flavor notes are of earth and wood. The warm cinnamon and molasses meld together nicely. The ash is light gray and fairly tight. 

2nd

Removed the ash at start of 2nd. Would have held longer but I don't like to have to focus on ash falling while doing a review. The draw is loosening up. Earth,wood,warm cinnamon and molasses notes continue into 2nd/3rd. The strength bumps up from med. to medium+. Burn has fully self corrected midway in 2nd. At this point the warm cinnamon transitions to crushed red pepper with a mild floral note. The finish is long with spicy and sweet flavors.

Final/3rd

Notes of espresso and cocoa powder join the mix. The crushed red pepper ramps up at this point. 

Overall the cigar is flavorful and complex. These Miami made cigars are $7.25 per stick and are available on their website www.flordeflorez.com 

Thanks to Terri Binns @CigarRep for the samples for review. 

Ehoyito Hemingway Maduro 12/20/15

Appearance 

The wrapper is a dark chocolatey brown with a few prominent veins. The seams are fairly tight. It has a light oil sheen. 

Aroma 

Earthy, cedary aromas from the wrapper. Not much of any aroma from the nearly closed foot. 

Prelight Draw 

Licorice and tobacco with a hint of spice developing. 

1st

The first several draws bring earthy woody flavors with a hint of spice on the finish. At about the 1/2" mark a definite espresso note jumps to the head of the profile with the licorice and spice carrying the end of the finish. At 1" it's a spicy earth flavor. The draw is a bit snug and the burn has been perfect since the start. 

2nd

Continues with spicy earth and a hint of chocolatey sweetness on the finish. The ash is salt&pepper gray and semi tight. Espresso note comes back strong late in this 3rd. Strength has been a solid medium+til now when it goes to med/full.

Final/3rd

Spicy earth and chocolatey espresso notes continue thru the final 3rd. 

An enjoyable smoking experience from start to finish. Thank you to Terri @CigarRep for the sample for review. 

Flor De Gonzalez 20 Aniversario Maduro Robusto 12/13/15

Appearance 

A dark chocolate brown Conn. Broadleaf Maduro wrapper with a couple prominent veins. There is a light oil sheen. The seams are tight and nearly invisible. 

Aroma 

The aroma is earthy with a bit of spice on the wrapper and fruity & sweet at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Earthy and citrusy with a spice note.

1st

The first few draws bring a very earthy flavor. The draw is good and the burn is off slightly. The ash is almost white and tight at this point. The burn is in the process of self correcting. The spice which began developing at 1/4" into the cigar is of the Caribbean Allspice variety. The earth and citrus notes are joined by some leather notes. I knocked of the ash but it felt like it would have held much further.

2nd

A few draws into 2nd/3rd the burn has fully self corrected. The finish is long lead by the tangy citrus notes with earth and spice undertones. The strength is at medium+. 

Final/3rd

The final/3rd brings more of the earthy citrusy leathery notes and the addition of creamy cashew notes. There is also an increase in strength to med/full. 

Overall the FDG 20 Aniversario is a well balanced flavorful cigar. A very pleasurable smoking experience. Follow Yadi @fdgcigars on Twitter. If u can't find them at your local B&M they are available at Famous and JR online.

Sawtelle Cigars "The Inkwell" 11/26/15

Appearance 

Flawless. From the beautiful milk chocolate brown color of the wrapper with only a couple minor small veins. To the excellent rolling of the wrapper with tight invisible seams. The wrapper has a light oily sheen. This stick has soft box press on the back side and hard box press on the front. Not a bad thing just interesting. The belicoso head is well shaped and the cap is well done. 

Aroma 

The wrapper has an aroma of wood(black walnut) and earth and a hint of cocoa powder. The foot has a molasses aroma with earthiness as well.

Prelight Draw

Creamy molasses and a light tang of citrus on the palate(I love the citrus note in a cigar as it leaves the palate fresh and clean). 

1st

The first several draws bring out the citrus notes cleaning the palate but in the background their is a hint of spice(cinnamon)(definitely a good thing). The draw is nearly effortless(unusual in a belicoso shaped head). A woody cedar note is present joining with the citrus in a very creamy texture. At about 3/4" in the burn is near perfect. The ash is salt&pepper gray and tight. A creamy espresso note joins the mix while the spice tapers off a bit. The ash was looking a little suspect so I removed it. So far the strength has hovered around medium. 

2nd

The transition into the 2nd/3rd is seamless as the citrus,cinnamon spice, cedar and creamy espresso(yes I noticed those all started with the letter "c") all are present in balanced proportions. Creamy cashews have nudged their way in while the cinnamon becomes warm. 

Final/3rd

The balanced flavors continue into the final/3rd with the spice becoming more of a crushed red pepper. The finish has been long and creamy. 

Overall this was a tasty creamy relaxing smoking experience. A medium strength full flavored complex and well balanced cigar. The box(25 count) is the best deal $125 or $5 a stick. Smaller quantities are available in increments of 5 sticks. A must have in your humi. Available on their website sawtellecigars.com GoGetchasome™!! TRUST ME!!! 

International Cigar Club Habano Toro 11/15/15

Appearance 

Medium brown colored wrapper with very little in the veins department. It is a little toothy but not bad. The seams are tight and difficult to see. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper.

Aroma

The wrapper has a light barnyard aroma and the foot has a sweet note as well. 

Prelight Draw 

Hay,blk licorice and a hint of spice.

1st

First draws bring notes of hay and coffee bean. The ash is a salt&pepper gray and semi tight at about 3/4" mark. There is a spice note developing leaving a warming sensation in the mouth. The burn was off early but has almost fully self corrected. I'm gonna put the spice at Cardamom. The cigar has a nice draw. The ash has become more stacked as the cigar has burned. The flavor has become meaty, reminding me of veal. 

2nd

The spice and coffee bean notes carry into the 2nd/3rd. The ash becomes more tight in this 3rd. Halfway thru a creamy cashew note joins the spice and coffee bean. The burn was off a bit but again self corrected quickly. This cigar puts out a large volume of smoke. The ash holds on til I remove at each 3rd.

Final/3rd

The coffee bean cashew and spice notes carry into the final/3rd. The finish has been medium in length throughout the cigar. The spice becomes the dominant flavor late in this 3rd(never a bad thing). Strength has held at medium til the late in this 3rd when it goes to medium+. 

Overall a very enjoyable smoking experience. Well balanced flavors and solid construction. 

Thanks again to Bruce Goldman for the samples for review. Check out their website at icccigars.com to order. U won't b disappointed! Tasty sticks at an affordable price point. GoGetchasome™!!

International Cigar Club Connecticut Robusto 11/8/15

Appearance 

Light brown in color with only a few small thin veins. Seams are tight. A very light oil sheen is visible. 

Aroma

Barnyard aromas on the wrapper and a sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Sweetness and a slightly floral note.

1st

This cigar starts out light and creamy. After several more draws a light cinnamon spice makes its presence known. The burn is razor sharp and the draw is just right. The ash is charcoal gray and mostly tight. 

2nd

A nice espresso with a dash of nutmeg note makes the transition into the 2nd/3rd. The strength has moved from mild to medium by the 1/2 way point of the cigar. The burn and draw are still spot on. The ash holds strong til I ash at each 3rd. 

Final/3rd

The espresso is creamy with a warm cinnamon spice moving into the final/3rd and continued thru to the end of the cigar. 

Overall the ICC Connecticut provided a very relaxing smoking experience. The cigar was creamy and well balanced with espresso, warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes. The construction was flawless. One of the best Connecticut wrapped cigars I've smoked.

They can be ordered at icccigars.com 

Thanks again to Bruce Goldman(brand owner) for the samples for review.

GoGetchasome™!!

International Cigar Club Short Perfecto 11/1/15

Appearance 

The cigar has a light tan Ecuadoran Habano wrapper with tight seams and no prominent veins. 

Aroma 

A light tobacco scent on the wrapper. A light sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Honey with a hint of spice

1st

The honey notes begin with the first draws. After several draws the spice begins to develop. The spice starts out as a white pepper. At 3/4" in the draw and burn are perfect leaving a light gray/almost white ash which is semi tight. About 1" in some nice leather notes come to the surface. 

2nd

The ash is holding straight and strong. The draw and burn have continued to b spot on. Halfway thru the cigar the ash is still holding. Some cashew(creamy nuts) notes have joined the mix. The smoke output is moderate. 

Final/3rd

I knocked the ash off just into the final/3rd as I did not want to wear it. The flavors continued thru to the nub. The strength was in the medium range throughout. Overall the ICC Short Perfecto was a very pleasurable cigar. The construction was flawless and the flavors were well balanced and creamy. This is definitely something u need to try! U can order on their website icccigars.com

Thanks go to Bruce Goldman(Brand Owner) and Darren Herring(National Brand Advisor) for the samples for review. Their cigars fall in the $6-$8 price point. #GoGetchasome™!!

Foundation Cigar El Güegüense Corona Gorda 10/15/15

Appearance 

Beautiful Colorado Rosado color. Nice oil sheen w/no visible seams and only a couple tiny veins. A beautiful silky looking wrapper.

Aroma

Earthy,grassy on the wrapper. Honey sweetness with a cedar background. 

Prelight Draw 

Honey sweetness with a hint of spice on the lips.

1st

The first few puffs bring notes of spice to the tongue and palate. A cayenne pepper type spice. It has a nice draw and slightly uneven burn to start. The ash is light gray and fairly tight. Honey sweetness comes forward as the spice mellows a bit. Maybe even an herbal note trying to surface. Burn has self corrected already by 3/4" point. The cigar produces a good volume of smoke. There is a nice cedar note on the finish. Late in this 3rd there are cashew notes joining the mix. 

2nd

The spice returns but more like warm cinnamon. The strength started at medium+ and has moved to medium/full already. Draw & burn are perfect since starting the 2nd/3rd. 1/2 way in the 2nd the spice has faded leaving a creamy sweet flavor w/ a mild cinnamon spice on the long finish. 

Final/3rd

The spice comes back as warm cinnamon but the sweetness has faded. Overall the cigar provided an enjoyable smoking experience. A great start to this new venture by Nick Melillo @FoundationCigar formerly the Master Blender at Drew Estates. 

Acme Premier Ecuador Habano 10/12/15

Appearance 

Silky light brown wrapper w/ a few prominent veins. Seams are tight. The cigar has a light oil sheen.

Aroma 

Barnyard on the wrapper. Sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Citrus and earthy

1st

Initial draws reveal citrus notes with some herbal and floral notes. Interesting start! Had to ash at about 5/8" in due to the ash flowering. Draw was a bit snug at start but is already loosening. The burn is near perfect. Ash is medium gray and semi tight. Near the end of this 3rd a spice note enters.

2nd

The spice has taken on the paprika sensation. The citrus,herbal,floral and earthy notes are still present albeit in a lesser prominence. 

Final/3rd

The spice has tapered off a bit bringing a better balance with the other flavors. The strength has been medium to this point where it is now leaning to medium+. Overall this Acme Premier Ecuador Habano has been an enjoyable smoking experience. 

Thanks again to my brother JD @HN_JAD for sending the samples for review.

Acme Premier Maduro Robusto 10/11/15

Appearance 

Dark chocolate San Andrés Maduro wrapper with a couple thin veins. The seams are tight and invisible. No visible oils on the wrapper.

Aroma 

Cocoa powder and earth on the wrapper and molasses at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Cocoa and molasses

1st

After the first few puffs, notes of wood join dark chocolate notes. It has a pleasant draw and the burn at 3/8" in is almost perfect. At about 1/2" in a spice note begins developing. Shortly after the spice emerged there is a citrus note that takes center stage. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. By the end of the 1st the flavors have melded together. 

2nd

The flavors from the 1st/3rd continue on into the 2nd. Midway through some cashew notes join the mix. The strength of the cigar started as a mild/medium and at the 1/2 way point has developed to a medium+. The ash holds strong for each 3rd.

Final/3rd

The flavors continue on through the final/3rd of the cigar. The strength peaks at medium+. Overall the Acme Premier Maduro was a pleasurable smoking experience. 

Thanks to my brother JD @HN_JAD for providing the Acme cigars for review. Acme @Acme_Cigars is a sister brand of AKA Cigars @AKAcigars . Try both brands for yourself.

Royal Agio Cigars Balmoral Añejo XO Petite Robusto FT 10/9/15

Appearance 

The wrapper is dark brown in color w/ a few prominent veins. It's a bit mottled. The seams are tight and virtually invisible. It has a very light oil sheen.

The FT on the foot band is in reference to the FlagTail on the cap. An interesting twist. 

The bands are very attractive.

Aroma 

The wrapper smells of a barnyard aroma while the foot has a sweet decadent aroma.

Prelight Draw 

Cocoa powder, raisins and cedar

1st

The first draws produce the woody notes of cedar. The draw & burn are very good. The ash is medium gray and tight. Some of the sweetness comes through midway of this 3rd. 

2nd

A hint of spice emerges. Unfortunately for me it leans toward black pepper. About 1/2 way the spice develops to a black/red mix which is good for me. The red pepper lingers on the long finish. After taking a sip of water during the finish the cocoa and raisin notes are clearly noticeable.  

Final/3rd

The flavors become more balanced throughout the final/3rd. The strength was medium most of the way finishing at medium+. Overall the cigar is an enjoyable smoking experience. The Royal Agio and Balmoral Añejo lines are distributed by Drew Estates and can be followed on Twitter @balmoralcigars albeit they have no tweets at this time.

Kuuts Cigars Nicaraguan Blend 10/8/15

Appearance

A slightly mottled medium brown wrapper w/a few prominent veins. The seams are tight and almost invisible. Very little oil sheen. 

Aroma 

Earthy aroma with a slight barnyard hint on the wrapper. Graham cracker and sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Cocoa powder, raisin and a hint of spice.

1st

The first puffs are very sweet notes of chocolate covered raisins. The burn line got very wavy. At about 3/4" in a spice note entered. The ash is charcoal colored and flaky. The draw is nice. By the end of 1st/3rd the burn line had just about fully self corrected. 

2nd

As we roll into the 2nd there is a distinct graham cracker note which gets covered by the evolving spice notes. Some of the sweet notes from the 1st/3rd have resurfaced. As I'm smoking I can't help but notice the beautiful band which has copper foil over a black & gray background. The colors really work well together. The burn line which got wavy again early in the 2nd has now fully self corrected near the end of the 2nd. The strength has been medium so far.

Final/3rd

The final/3rd begins with nutty espresso notes that are very creamy. The spice has been like a wave rising and tapering off in strength. The finish has been short with sweet notes. 

Overall this was a very enjoyable complex medium strength cigar. At $6 per stick it's something U should definitely try. I'll be keeping some in my humi for sure. Follow @KuutsCigars on Twitter. GoGetchasome™!!

Crossfire Cigars Habano Figurado 10/6/15

Appearance

Milk chocolate brown wrapper w/ a couple prominent veins. Seams are tight. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper.

Aroma 

Chocolatey with a slight espresso note on the wrapper and foot.

Prelight Draw 

Dark chocolate and espresso.

1st

Starting off the draw is tight perhaps due to the shape of the cigar with both ends being smaller than the middle. The espresso note is balanced a bit by the dark chocolate notes. Halfway into this 3rd there are some nice almond notes mixing in well with the chocolate & espresso. The burn has a very slight wave to it. A nice mild spice has joined the mix.

2nd

The spice and almonds begin to dominate the flavor. The burn is off by about 45 degrees. The ash is a light gray w/ charcoal and is pretty tight and strong. By the end of this 3rd the burn line has fully self corrected.

Final/3rd

The dark chocolate came back to join the spice and almonds. The strength started medium and went to medium+. Overall it was a nice smoking experience. This stick was at the bottom of my review bin in my humi since 2013. 

Thanks to my brother Ryan @cigarnscripture for giving up one of his samples for review. Follow Crossfire at @CrossfireCigars 

Neya Cigar Co. F8 Typhoon Ligero 10/5/15

Appearance 

Nice looking medium brown wrapper w/ a few prominent veins. The seams are fairly tight. It has a slight oil sheen.

Aroma 

Earthy on the wrapper. Earthy and molasses at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Black Licorice

1st

The initial flavors are wood & leather. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is nearly perfect at the 3/4" mark. The ash is salt & pepper gray. Late in this 3rd a spice note begins to develop. 

2nd

About a 1/2" in the spice begins to build. The flavors remain the same thru the end of the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd

The spice, leather and wood notes remain consistent thru the final/3rd. The strength was med/full from start to finish. The draw remained a bit snug and the burn was perfect all the way thru. Overall an enjoyable smoking experience.

Thanks to Carolee Martin Southwest Rep for Roberto Duran Cigars  50calcigargal on Instagram for the samples for review. 

Virtuoso Cigars Dual 10/2/15

Appearance 

Barber pole wrapper. A little rough. A few prominent veins. The seams are tight. It has a very faint sheen. 

Aroma 

Hay and light cocoa powder on the wrapper. Molasses at the foot. 

Prelight Draw

 Light molasses, black licorice and a touch of spice.

1st

Tobacco notes are the first notable flavor. Shortly after there is a candy sweetness that softens the tobacco notes. Draw is good. Burn has a slight wave to it but not bad. The ash is a charcoal gray and is semi tight. Near the end of 1st/3rd there is a spice note developing.

2nd

The flavors from the beginning of the cigar continue into the 2nd/3rd. The spice has developed into a crushed red pepper(that's good). Strength is at medium+. Some wood and coffee notes have joined the mix. Burn line has fully self corrected.

Final/3rd

Ash holds til I remove at each 3rd but would probably hold a bit longer. Flavors are well balanced. The finish is long with spice and wood notes and a faint coffee note. Overall a pleasant smoking experience. Virtuoso Cigars are a house blend at The Smokers Hut. They are sticks U should try. Contact Rob@TheSmokersHut.com to order. 

Thanks again to Rob @TheSmokersHut for the samples for review.

MBombay Cigars Mora Salamon 10/1/15

Appearance 

Light brown in color with a few prominent veins. Seams are tight. Not much visible oil in the wrapper.

Aroma 

Very light aroma of barnyard and leather on the wrapper. Candy and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Floral, citrus and sweet notes with a pinch of spice.

1st

The first few puffs bring an explosion of flavor with the citrus and floral notes and underlying sweetness exciting the palate. The draw is a bit snug, while the burn is spot on. The ash is a dirty gray and fairly tight. At about 1" in the spice kicks in. It's a nice allspice flavor. Draw has loosened up some by late 1st/3rd. 

2nd

The cigar was reluctant to give up the ash but realized who was in charge. The strength is at medium+. It has a nice long tasty finish with a hint of spice. As the flavors have melded together the spice now picks up some strength. 

Final/3rd

As the cigar continues to shrink in ring gauge as it gets closer to the head the spice becomes more of a cayenne pepper spice(never a bad thing). The floral & citrus notes are still there but in reduced amounts. Overall the Mora Salamon provided a very nice smooth captivating smoking experience. A stick U should keep several of in your humi. 

Thanks again to Mel @mbombaycigars for the samples for review. 

GoGetchasome™!!

MBombay Cigars Kesara 585 9/30/15

Appearance 

Light brown wrapper with mostly small thin veins. The seams are tight and depending on how U hold the cigar can be invisible. It has almost a matte finish. Nice little pigtail cap and pigtailed closed foot.

Aroma 

Very little aroma off the wrapper maybe dry hay if anything. A slight sweetness and faint spice at the head after V cutting.

Prelight Draw

Spice and hay 

1st

The first few puffs give sweet hay and spice notes. Once into the filler and binder a hint of citrus emerges. The spice is very mild at this point. It has a nice draw and the burn is almost perfect. The ash is a dirty gray and slightly flaky. Strength is mild/medium. 

2nd

The strength is up to medium just into the 2nd/3rd. The spice has evolved to an allspice variety. Strength goes to medium+. The cigar has a medium finish with spice and a light citrus note. 

Final/3rd

The spice and citrus notes continue through the end of the cigar. A nice morning cigar for most smokers. 

Thanks to Mel @mbombaycigars for the samples for review. 

Virtuoso Cigars Rojo 9/29/15

Appearance

Milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tight and nearly invisible. It has a nicely coiled pigtail cap. There is excess wrapper that is bunched and pressed to form a closed foot.

Aroma 

Earthy sweetness on the wrapper. Earthy and raisiny sweetness at the head(as the foot was closed).

Prelight Draw

Raisiny sweet & earthy

1st

First puffs were earthy and bready with no sweetness. (Remember it's all wrapper no fill or binder). As soon as that bunch of wrapper burns off there is a burst of flavor and spice that excite the palate. Some of the raisiny sweetness comes thru. Then the spice jumps in with both feet. After a few minutes the spice tapers off just a bit so it can balance with other flavors. At the 3/4" point some nice woody notes arrive. Draw & burn are good. Ash is medium gray and slightly flaky. Coming to the end of 1st/3rd and the curry like spice picks up. The ash has tightened up.

2nd

Flavors now are spice bread and wood in order of strength. The cigar has been med/full from the start. It has a nice long finish with the flavors mingling on the palate and tongue. 

Final/3rd

The same flavors continue through the final/3rd. This was a very enjoyable cigar from start to finish with the curry spice being the dominant flavor.(that's a good thing IMO) So if u like spicy cigars U Want to try this stick! Virtuoso Cigars is a House blend at The Smokers Hut. Contact Rob @TheSmokersHut at Rob@TheSmokersHut.com to order some. 

Thanks again to Rob for the samples for review. GoGetchasome™!!

MBombay Cigars Vintage Mora Petite Perfecto 9/28/15

Appearance

Medium brown wrapper with no prominent veins. There are a couple of thin veins. The seams are tight and nearly invisible. It has a nice oily sheen.

Aroma 

Barnyard and a hint of spice on the wrapper and the same at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Light citrus and spice with a hint of floral.

1st

The citrus notes leave a clean taste on the palate accentuated by the hot cinnamon spice. About a 1/2" in I'm noticing some meaty notes. The draw is good,as is the burn. The ash is a somewhat "dirty" gray and semi tight. The finish is long leaving the palate feeling clean from the citrus notes. 

2nd

The 2nd/3rd opens with a dash of blk pepper. The blk pepper got a bit stronger then tapered back by the midway point. The ash is tight. 

Final/3rd

The strength had been medium but now moves to med/full. The spice has become more like crushed red pepper and is the dominant flavor. The citrus is still there under the spice.  The Vintage Mora Petite Perfecto provided a very enjoyable smoking experience. I plan to keep some in my humi for the times when a less than 1hr smoke is called for.

Thanks again to Mel @mbombaycigars for the samples for review.

MBombay Cigars Kesara Nikka Lancero 9/27/15

Appearance 

Light brown in color with 1 prominent vein. Seams are mostly tight but visible. It has a tiny pigtail cap. Not much oil sheen visible on the wrapper. 

Aroma 

Barnyard on the wrapper and a hint of spice at the head after V cutting.

Prelight Draw

Light tobacco and a hint of spice.

1st

Initially a hint of mild cinnamon spice is enticing the lips and tongue. Dry toast is the only flavor along with the spice, that has presented itself by the time I am 1" into the 1st/3rd. The ash has held and is light gray with very little flake. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is razor sharp. The ash fell into the ashtray at the end of the 1st/3rd.

2nd

Partway into the 2nd the dry toast is joined by a dry roasted peanut flavor. The strength has gone from mild to medium. Late in the 2nd my palate is teased by a citrus tangy note which is a welcome change. The burn is still razor sharp and the draw is a smidge better. The spice which started as a mild cinnamon has transitioned to a nice allspice. 

Final/3rd

The dry toast, dry roasted nuts, tangy citrus and allspice continue thru the end of the cigar. Overall the Kesara Nikka was a nice smoke. Definitely a cigar that many will enjoy as a morning cigar to start the day. 

Thanks again to Mel @mbombaycigars for the samples for review.